LTFRB hikes cap for ride-sharing cars

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has increased the cap for the number of units allotted for ride-sharing companies like Grab and Uber to 65,000 vehicles in Metro Manila.

The LTFRB, in its Memorandum Circular 2018-005 signed yesterday, increased the common supply base for transport network vehicle services (TNVS) by almost half from the initial 45,000 units under its MC 2018-003.

The allotted units for Pampanga and Cebu were also increased to 1,500 and 250 vehicles, respectively. 

The memorandum is set to take effect by Feb. 28, a week before the LTFRB officially opens the processing of the pending application for franchises of TNVS. 

LTFRB officer-in-charge Aileen Lizada said the higher cap would mean shorter surge hours and waiting time for passengers of ride-sharing companies.

The increased number for the common supply base comes after LTFRB tapped a private firm to independently audit the master list of TNVS vehicles. 

Out of the more than 119,000 vehicles registered under transport network companies as TNVS units, only 59,020 are active and will be qualified to have their applications for franchises processed.